Sidley Austin leads support for PILF auction

March 4, 2009 -- Duke Law’s Public Interest Law Foundation held its annual fundraising auction on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Duke Nasher Museum of Art.

For the second year in a row, Sidley Austin LLP was the auction’s lead sponsor. Other sponsoring firms are listed on the auction's web site.

“Sidley is proud to sponsor Duke Law's Public Interest Law Foundation's Auction and Gala in keeping with our strong commitment to pro bono service,” said Jennifer Connelly, the firm’s national legal recruiting director.

The event raised approximately $66,000, which will support summer grants for law students working in public interest positions with community organizations and government offices. PILF grants have subsidized student work in a range of organizations, including Legal Aid of North Carolina, the United Nations, the California Appellate Project, and the International Justice Mission.

“The PILF Auction is not only a fantastically fun event, but more importantly provides crucial support for PILF's grant-making activities,” said Kimberly Maynard, co-chair of the auction. “PILF is especially grateful to firm donors, especially our named sponsor Sidley Austin LLP, for their generous support. During difficult economic times, the public interest work that our grants support is even more vital -- as are the generous gifts that support our program.”

In keeping with tradition, this year’s auction offered an eclectic mix of items for bidding, including lunch for five with Duke University’s President Richard Brodhead, a grass-fed beef barbecue for 10 with Duke Law Dean David F. Levi, a luxury suite to a Philadelphia 76ers game, two 2009 World Series tickets, and a much-coveted 2009 basketball campout exemption.